Weekend Travel Guide for Destin, Florida (30A)

No matter where you are in Florida, you’re no further than ninety miles from the nearest beach. This proximity often results in residents traveling to their nearest beach, enabling them to spend as much time in the sun as possible. We tend to also fall into that trap, primarily only making the drive to two or three beaches. For Michael’s birthday, we made the effort to venture further afield to Destin, located in the Florida panhandle about halfway between Pensacola and Panama City Beach.

The sentiment behind the phrase “Redneck Riviera” was quickly made apparent; though we were driving west, socially it felt as if we were driving south. Driving through town we saw a host of popular mid-scale chain restaurants and stores alongside a bevy of dives, outlets, and a handful of “fancy” restaurants. As in all of our travels, the dives and holes-in-the-wall are the places most worth visiting. These places survive for a reason and offer a true taste of the area.

Spring Break and Summertime are Destin’s peak seasons, so expect lodging to be pricier during those times. Our Airbnb rental was located in nearby Miramar Beach, a short walk from the water, and a quick drive to the main part of Destin. So, once you’ve arrived, now what? I’ve got you covered:

WHAT TO SEE + DO IN DESTIN

Head to the Beach

Thankfully Destin’s main attraction is free, and boy, is it ever a great value. You’re going to want to spend most of your free time here, just lounging on the beach, people-watching, and hopping in the water every so often to cool down. Pack a picnic (drinks included! Just be sure nothing is in glass, and that you always have your ID on you – apparently local law enforcement can and will tote you to jail forty miles away) and chairs and umbrellas, and a great read. It’s worth noting that Florida often has afternoon storms that roll in during the day; typically these are over in a few hours. These aren’t safe to swim in, but they do make for some really nice beach photos.

—

Get a little active

SUP Express | Free Delivery

There are several SUP rental services in the Destin area, but we had a great experience with SUP Express. They don’t have a brick-and-mortar location but instead will meet you wherever you’d like to paddle for the day and drop your boards off right at the water. They were incredibly helpful in making suggestions for paddle spots, and our day couldn’t have been more perfect.

—

Visit Crab Island

Crab Island | Crab Island, Destin, FL 32540

This is probably as Southern beach town as it gets – an underwater sandbar hangout with floating bars and restaurants, inflatable challenge courses, and country music blasting (with a floating stage for dancing, naturally). You’ll need your own aquatic transportation – we managed the paddle on our SUP boards, but we learned that the current isn’t always so kind to paddlers – and you’ll want to arrive early in the day to stake out your spot. The sandbar was empty around 9 a.m. but as noon approached, it became increasingly difficult to paddle around the sheer number of boats and people. Bring lots of cash or a credit card, as drinks at the bars aren’t cheap (daiquiris run around $15 each; local laws prevent the vendors from mixing the drinks for you – you’ll be given a separate cup with the alcohol in it to play bartender), but you’ll have the chance to stand in waist-high water and drink with the locals.

WHERE TO EAT + DRINK IN DESTIN

Good, cold beers

The Craft Bar | 4424 Commons Dr E, Destin, FL 32541
Destin Brewery | 505 Mountain Dr, Destin, FL 32541
Pompano Joe's | 2237 Scenic Gulf Dr, Destin, FL 32550

Check out The Craft Bar for elevated pub grub and Destin Brewery to pick up local six-packs for the beach. Pompano Joe’s is great for the atmosphere with its large porch overlooking the ocean and also offers an assortment of seafood dishes.

A meal at Craft Bar Destin — The Craft Bar

Entrance to Destin Brewery — Destin Brewery

Chairs on the porch at Pompano Joes — Pompano Joe’s Porch

—

Something spicy but not pricey

Burrito del Sol | 517 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541
Real Thai Fusion | 11275 US-98 W Ste #11, Miramar Beach, FL 32550

You can’t go wrong with Burrito del Sol or Real Thai Fusion. Both offer customizable and delicious meals around the $10 mark and are a little out of the ordinary for a beach town.

Meals from Burrito del Sol and Real Thai — Left – Burrito del Sol, Right – Real Thai

—

Caffeine and a sweet treat

Donut Hole Bakery and Cafe | 635 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541
2 Birds Coffee & Cafe | 80 Seascape Dr, Miramar Beach, FL 32550
Black Bear Bread Co. | 325 Grand Blvd Suite 100, Miramar Beach, FL 32550

Judging from the line at Donut Hole Bakery and Cafe the first time we drove by, the spot is very popular. All of those people waiting in line had the right idea, and we were not disappointed when we returned later in the day for donuts and a slice of key lime pie. For great coffee and pastries, check out 2 Birds Coffee & Cafe and Black Bear Bread Co. I’m almost grateful neither is located in our hometown as we’d be stopping in too frequently.

The sign for Donut Hole, and a slice of Key Lime Pie — Donut Hole

Interiors of 2 Birds + Black Bear Bread Co in Destin — Left – 2 Birds Coffee & Cafe, Right – Black Bear Bread Co.

WHERE TO STAY IN 30A

As I mentioned earlier, we stayed in an Airbnb in nearby Miramar Beach. I would definitely recommend one of the cottages located in this park of tiny houses (which really aren’t too tiny). The “Life is Good” cottage was equipped with everything we needed for our beach weekend, such as chairs, a cooler, and a wagon – that is, everything except beach towels, which we brought from home.

A Miramar Beach Cottage — Miramar Beach Cottage

TRAVEL TIPS FOR DESTIN, FLORIDA

Direct flights to Pensacola International Airport are available from many cities in the southeast; from there, it’s about an hour and a half to the Destin area. The Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport is much closer but is primarily served by Allegiant with spotty availability. A car is essential, though, once you arrive there are plenty of places that will rent you street-legal golf carts to ride around town in if that’s your thing. The beach is lovely just about anywhere you go, so wherever you choose to stay, just make sure it’s within a short walk to the water. The water is warm enough to swim in for nearly six months of the year (and longer if you don’t mind a chillier temp!), and make sure you take the opportunity to get out on the water via your choice of watercraft!

Looking for more? You may enjoy these other Florida guides:

Have you ever been to Destin? Which Florida beach is your favorite?